Lithosphere Lithosphere: The lithosphere comprises the Earth’s crust as well as part of the upper mantle. In fact, the lithosphere is approximately 100 kilometers thick and is relatively strong as compared to the underlying asthenosphere.

Dilatancy “Dilatancy” is the increase in the bulk volume of a soil substance during deformation. Dilatancy is caused by the change from a close-pack structure to an open-pack structure.

Stratosphere Stratosphere: The stratosphere of a terrestrial planet is the second-lowest member of the atmosphere. On Earth, the stratosphere starts atop the troposphere at approximately 10 kilometers above mean sea level, and terminates roughly 50 kilometers above mean sea level. In fact, geologists understand that the Earth’s ozone layer exists within the stratosphere, which absorbs…

Metamorphic Rock Definition In the field of geology, the term “Metamorphic Rock” refers to a rock classification that is the result of the alteration of prior existing sedimentary rocks or igneous rocks. The alteration process is “metamorphosis, and can take place by various methods and environments. The metamorphosis process produces specific metamorphic rocks, on the…

Transmissivity Transmissivity: In geology and hydrogeology, transmissivity (T) represents the capacity of an aquifer to transmit water of the prevailing kinematic viscosity. Formula T=Kb, where b = saturated thickness of the aquifer. Dimensions are gallons per day per foot (gpd/ft) or feet squared per day (ft^2/day).